Lord Puttnam calls for film production unity

ONE of Britains leading film-makers has called on Channel 4, the BBC
and the Film Council to launch a joint distribution arm to boost the UK film
industry, in the wake of FilmFours failure.

David Puttnam, the London-born director who won an Oscar for Chariots of
Fire, believes the move would help to reduce costs and give UK films a better
chance of success. Working alone would cost too much, as none of the companies
generate enough hits by themselves.

Lord Puttnam made his comments to the BBC as the debate about FilmFour continues
to grip UK film-makers. The company has been forced by Channel 4 to close
its sales and distributions arms, leading to job losses, and lesser investment
in UK movies.

However, according to Lord Puttnam, distribution remains one of the keys
to the success of any film and he cited figures which show that more than
50% of British films ever made fail to receive a screening because of poor
distribution.

The director is also quoted as saying that he can see no reason or impediment
why a collaboration would not work.

Channel 4, under the FilmFour banner, is responsible for some of the biggest
UK hits in recent years, such as Trainspotting and East Is East, although
it has yet to have a hit for three years. The likes of Sexy Beast, while critically-acclaimed
and award-nominated, failed to generate a buzz at the Box Office.

BBC Films, meanwhile, which accounts for the film-making arm of the BBC,
has been responsible for the British hits Iris,
Billy Elliot and Mrs Brown, while the Film Council hands out £20m per
year for new UK films, including Gosford Park.

According to Puttnam, who is also vice-president of BAFTA, the law of averages
would dictate that, between them, they would have one or two major hits in
a year; enough to keep them afloat and stave off the costly failures
which led to FilmFours demise.

Channel 4 responded to the comments by agreeing to look at any proposals
put forward, although they maintained it was too early to consider new projects
in the wake of the FilmFour decision.

However, as previously stated, current filming commitments have not been
abandoned, with Buffalo Soldiers (starring Joaquin Phoenix) and Edgardo Mortara
(with Anthony Hopkins) among several high-profile projects still to be completed.

A statement released by Channel 4 revealed: "At the moment all areas
are operating as usual and the closure will be tailored over the coming months
to follow through existing projects. We will work hard to ensure there is
a smooth transition."
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